Developing the visual identity and signage for Emanuel School’s B’Yachad Building was an incredibly rewarding experience for Leading Hand, one filled with creative challenges and close collaboration.
Project leaders TKD Architects referred the school to us, and after this first partnership proved successful, Emanuel invited us to create an illustrated book from a story written by school staff.
The B’Yachad building, for students in Years K-6, required a series of inspirational design elements to transform it into an immersive world of books and storytelling.
We created imaginative features like a giant storybook that narrates the history of Emanuel School in a whimsical ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’-style tale; steps adorned with iconic children’s books; and oversized, colourful books lining a hallway where students can relax and read in cosy nooks.
Outside, we designed signage for the building itself and the adjacent Imaginarium, the latter crafted from die-cut acrylic letters shaped like work tools. We worked closely with TKD Architects and their builders and printers so that each piece not only represented our intended design but was also durable and fit for purpose.
This project transformed a practical 1970s teaching space into a colourful, engaging place of learning and sharing. The school community was ecstatic with the final result – a welcoming space for the primary students, with every detail reflecting the building’s purpose and fostering a deeper sense of community.
It has been a heartwarming experience to see how these elements have since contributed to the school’s spirit of creativity and learning.
